Poems:-
1. The epic poem, Beowulf, is widely recognized as the oldest and most significant work of Old English literature. It opens with a prologue and consists of 3182 lines written in alliterative form. The central theme of the poem is rooted in continental Germanic culture. The authorship of this epic remains unknown as there is no concrete evidence to support any particular author. While the text is primarily written in the West Saxon dialect, there are indications of Anglican dialect, though it remains unclear whether it is Mercian or Northumbrian. The exact date of the poem's creation is also uncertain, but scholars believe it was written between 975 and 1025.
Scholars have consistently given negative evaluations of Beowulf's history. However, the poem was composed during a time when there was a semi-divine hero and the monstrous Grendel. The latter has been interpreted in different ways, sometimes as a bear and other times as a representation of malaria and marshlands. Those who are interested in the symbolic and straightforward interpretation of these myths see Beowulf's three successive battles as symbolic of the challenges faced by humanity - firstly, the perilous threat of the sea, which was overcome by constructing dykes; secondly, the mastery of the sea itself, as men learned to navigate it; and finally, the struggle against hostile natural forces, which is ultimately vanquished by human perseverance and determination.
The Tale of Beowulf (Summary)
The setting of the tale takes place in pagan Scandinavia during the 6th century. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow, embarks on a journey with a group of warriors to aid the Danish King Hrothgar. The King has built a large single-room building, known as Heorot, near the sea. This hall has been under attack by the monster Grendel. Beowulf successfully defeats Grendel but then faces another attack from Grendel's mother, whom he also defeats. With his victory, Beowulf returns to Geatland and is crowned as King of Gate. After fifty years, Beowulf battles and defeats a dragon, but is fatally injured. The poem ends with the funeral rites held in honour of the deceased hero.
2. Widsith- The term 'Widsith' refers to someone who travels far and wide or wanders. It is believed to be the oldest poem in our language, consisting of approximately 150 lines of verse. The poem depicts the nomadic lifestyle of a gleeman, who travels and stays in various places. He is appreciated for his singing. The locations mentioned in the poem are mostly mythical rather than actual. While it may not have much poetic value, it holds significant historical importance.
3. The Seafarer- It appears that the beautiful poem "The Seafarer" is divided into two distinct sections. The initial section depicts the difficulties of living life at sea. The second section is an allegory, where the struggles of the sailor represent the struggles of human existence.
4. The Battle at Finnsburgh- The "Battle at Finnsburgh" is a section of fifty lines that was found inscribed on a piece of parchment that covered the wooden covers of a book containing homilies. It is an impressive war poem that depicts the valiant defence of a hall by Hnaef and his sixty warriors against the assault of Finn and his army, portraying heroic strength.
5. Waldere- The known record of Waldere (also known as Walter of Aquitaine) and his promised wife Hildgund, who was held captive by Attila, can only be glimpsed from the remaining two leaves of the fragment. This piece of work possesses strength and potency.
Poets:-
BEDE (673-735)
The renowned scholar known as Bede is considered the pioneer of English learning. Hailing from the Northumbrian school, he wrote extensively in Latin, producing over forty works that encompassed a wide range of subjects in his time. Among his notable contributions is the "Ecclesiastical History of the English People". Sadly, his final work, a translation of the Gospel of John into Anglo-Saxon, has been lost.
CAEDMON (7th Century)
CAEDMON was renowned for his poetic talents, creating numerous pieces of verse that exuded a delightful and exquisite charm. His poetic abilities were believed to be bestowed upon him by God, and he was beckoned by Abbess Hilda of Whitby (658-80) to display this divine gift. Upon being welcomed into the monastery with his family by Hilda, he shared his poetic works. The pieces of literature written by Caedmon are known as The Works of Caedmon. His most renowned piece of work is known as the Paraphrase, which was unearthed during the seventeenth century. This Anglo-Saxon Paraphrase narrates the tales of Genesis, Exodus, and Daniel in a series of three concise poems, beautifully crafted with eloquent poetic diction and the ability to capture the essence of these stories with great insight and imagination.
CYNEWULF (8th Century)
One of the most renowned poets among the Anglo-Saxons is CYNEWULF, second only to the anonymous author of Beowulf. Despite passing away a thousand years ago, in 1840 his name was brought to light. He is the sole poet to have signed his own work, incorporating his name into his verses through the use of hidden runes (Runes, being the archaic letters of the ancient Northern alphabet). His works include The Christ, Juliana, The Fates of the Apostles, and Elene. Additionally, several anonymous poems are commonly attributed to him, namely Andreas, The Phoenix, The Dream of the Rood, The Descent into Hell, Guthlac, and The Wanderer. The poem The Christ is divided into three parts, with the first section honouring the Nativity, the second section depicting the Ascension, and the third section focusing on "Doomsday". This work captures the essence of early Latin Christianity.
A poem known as ANDRES tells the tale of St. Andrew, who bravely sailed across the sea to save his fellow saint, St. Matthew, from the clutches of cannibals. This poem is full of energy and spirit.
ALFRED(848-901)
He faced a great challenge in his life against the Northmen. This struggle came to an end when the Treaty of Wedmore was signed in 878, making Alfred the king of the entire northern region. With the same determination and bravery that characterized his fight for independence, Alfred took on the responsibility of educating his people. He implemented laws that were justly enforced and included the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. His main reputation lies in his ability as a translator. He would often translate texts that would greatly benefit his community. Among his notable translations were Orosius's Universal History and Geography, Bede's History, Pope Gregory's Shepherds, and Boethius's Consolations of Philosophy, totalling four in number.
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